Great Saphenous Vein Arterialization in Patients with Severe Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia: A Last Resort for Limb Salvage.

Background: In one-fifth of patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia, there are no revascularization options. In those cases, venous arterialization could be a last resort for limb salvage. This study examines the clinical outcome of 17 patients with nonhealing wounds (Fontaine 4), who underwent great saphenous vein (GSV) arterialization, leaving the distal saphenous side branches open and avoiding incisions in the lower leg and foot.